Grasscity.com - world's best online headshop


Go Back   Grasscity.com Forums > MARIJUANA NEWS AND DISCUSSIONS > Legalization and Activism
Post Your Greatest Activism Resources Here Post Your Greatest Activism Resources Here
Message Boards and Forums Directory
Register Blogs FAQ Photo Gallery Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 06-19-2006, 10:20 PM
Digit is offline  
Digit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyond
Digit
Novice Omnipotent
Digit's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: The Sovereign State Of My Mostly Brown Slip On Shoes
Posts: 7,878
Post Your Greatest Activism Resources Here
Here's some google video searches:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Ruppert
also worth trying, Mike C Ruppert and Michael C Ruppert of cop v cia fame.


http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Gore
Also worth trying, An Inconvenient Truth and generally just type in any word like Environment, Climate, Sustainable, Geoscience, Ecoscience etc

more to be added soon....
(much praise for google video for the couch internet surfer... so many too lazy to read the geniusnesseseses)

while were in the mood for video

http://www.pot-tv.net i reccomend searching through their archives for "soma" very enlightening and intreaging.



Here's some site's that offer Solutions as well as other educative informations. (by popular demand):

http://www.activeremedy.org.uk/ my personal favourite. also, you can take the tip from this site without having to go to the far reaches of the world.


http://educate-yourself.org/ this is the type of site that if in wikipedia, it'd get a little "disputed" symbol on it, if on google it'd have a questionable trusted thing (no spam though), but i'm glad someone is talking about it. you don't get this stuff many other places. "forbidden cures" n stuffs.


Here's some sites that are just plain old valuable sources of information:

Erowid, the mecca of research on substance use. know what goes in your body! http://www.erowid.org it has saved so many lives.

http://www.ukcia.org high quality resource for both news and library of information on cannabis and the cannabis campaign, primarily for UK, but much global stuffs too.

http://www.norml.org kinda like ukcia but for the USA

ok, how many places do you wanna get it from. it's been around since 1994, on marijuana.net and many more... here's the search for the most robust and valuable single piece of cannabis info. sure theres loads more... but this one is the one that personally has convinced me of the necessity for cannabis and continues to convince many more... http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=can...utf-8&oe=utf-8 also try a search for Jack Herer's $10,000 or $100,000 challenge



PS, note to mods... if you already know of a thread like this (theres gotta be, surely) please merge and sticky, mibies?
__________________
I Am Finding Myself Doing It. (Digit's posts)
If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you, and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, & what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys. - Chief Dan George
truth is really so simple when you boundary dissolve. lets just have everyone live, there's plenty room - Digit
_ * whole breath * _"find a positive use for it"
Last edited by Digit : 06-19-2006 at 10:34 PM.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 01-11-2008, 08:36 AM
Digit is offline  
Digit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyond
Digit
Novice Omnipotent
Digit's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: The Sovereign State Of My Mostly Brown Slip On Shoes
Posts: 7,878
aight, looks like another site was more on the case with this idea than us lamers at gc.











n here's the C&P of it as it was when posting:
Quote:
Originally Posted by topaztic View Post
What is all this?

This is currently an alphabetical list of cannabis activism related links, that will ultimately become a FAQ. It is primarily meant to provide readers of this forum a quick list of links to information on many cannabis organizations, medical and social studies, landmark legal cases, historical current activism events. It is by no means a complete list, and will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis. If you have an organization event, person or study that you believe should be on this list, please suggest it either in this thread or shoot me a pm. I am aware that probably because my focus is on US activism that other areas are not as well represented and am especially looking to expand the list to include just as many international organizations, studies and activists/events.

[b]How do I find what I am looking for? [/B]

As mentioned the titles of the links are in alphabetical order, all links include a source, a decription and most have keywords - and to find what you are looking for, you can easily use the find feature on your browser (I use CTL + F) just type in a search term (like rainbow farms or multple sclerosis) and hit enter until you find the information on the page.







  • A Public Health Approach to Drug Control in Canada
    • Source: Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy Description: Study on Harm reduction from the House Officers Council of British Columbia, Oct 2005
    • Keywords: Research , Government Studies , Harm Reduction , Canada , Drug Policy
  • ACLU Action alerts
    • Source: ACLU Description: ACLU Action alerts
    • Keywords: Take Action , Activism , ACLU , Drug Law Reform , Civil Liberties
  • Action Center
    • Source: Drug Policy Alliance Description: Drug Policy Alliance Action Alerts
    • Keywords: Activism , Action , , ,
  • Activism Resouce Center
    • Source: MAP Description: Hints on writng letters, organizing events, dealing with media and much more. An invaluable tool for activism
    • Keywords: Activism , Action , Research , ,
  • Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
    • Source: Home Office Description: The official UK government site on drug strategy, demand reduction, licensing, classification and laws
    • Keywords: Research , UK Law , Drug Policy , ,
  • AlterNet
    • Source: WAMM Description: John Sinclair first emerged out of his small-town Michigan background to forge a legendary course through the 1960s as a cultural activist manager of the MC5 and Chairman of the White Panther Party. An early victim of the War on Drugs who faced 20 years to life in prison for giving two joints to an undercover policewoman Sinclair served 29 months of a 9-1/2-to-10-year sentence before his legal victory on appeal changed the law for good. - The long campaign waged by Sinclair culminated in a massive John Sinclair Freedom Rally headlined by John Lennon & Yoko Ono Stevie Wonder Bob Seger Phil Ochs Allen Ginsberg and Bobby Seale that resulted in Sinclair's release from prison on December 13 1971—just three days after the event.
    • Keywords: Activism , Activist , Legalization , Protests ,
  • American Medical Marijuana Association
    • Source: American Medical Marijuana Association Description: Organization recognized by the White House as promoting medical marijuana law reform
    • Keywords: Resource , Medical Marijuana , Drug Policy Reform , US Law , Harm Reduction
  • Americans for Safe Access
    • Source: Americans for Safe Access Description: Advancing Legal Medical Marijuana Therapies and Research
    • Keywords: Resource , Activiam , Drug War , Drug Law Reform , Harm Reduction
  • Antique Cannabis Book
    • Source: AntiqueCannabis Description: Features products and documents pertaining to cannabis pre 1937
    • Keywords: Research , Historical , Medical Use , ,
  • ASA's April Newsletter (2006
    • Source: Americans For Safe Access Description: Details continued raids by federal agents against medical marijuana growers and dispensaries
    • Keywords: medical marijuana , cultivation , Jury Nullification , ,
  • Becoming an Effective and Efficient Activist
    • Source: ACLU Description: How to: Call your Members of Congress, Meet with elected officials, Write and Effective Letter to the Editor and Present information to Elected Officials
    • Keywords: Action , , , ,
  • Bottoms Up, A Guide to GrassRoots Activism
    • Source: November Coalition Description: ... compiled and updated by the staff of the November Coalition. Using the experiences of hundreds of community volunteers, Bottoms Up is a comprehensive step-by-step primer in how to educate the public and get the social change you want.
    • Keywords: Resource , Activism Guide , Medical Marijuana , Medical Marijuana Activsm , grass roots
  • Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy
    • Source: Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy Description: Advocates of drug policy reform in Canada
    • Keywords: Action , Non-Profit , Harm Reduction , Canada , Drug Policy
  • Common Sense for Drug Policy
    • Source: Common Sense for Drug Policy Description: Common Sense for Drug Policy homepage
    • Keywords: dot.org , Research , Reform , ,
  • DEA targets America
    • Source: DEA targets America Description: Opening eyes to the Damage Caused by the Drug War
    • Keywords: Research , Policy Reform , DEA , harm reduction ,
  • Drug classification: making a hash of it?
    • Source: UK Parliament Description: July 2006 House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report on the drug classification system
    • Keywords: Research , UK Law , Drug Policy , ,
  • Drug War Facts
    • Source: Drug War Facts Description: Get the Facts and answer to Prohibition Propaganda
    • Keywords: Research , Action , , ,
  • Drug War Rant
    • Source: Salon Description: Drug War Rant by Pete Guither Daily musings of Pete about the Drug War and need for reform
    • Keywords: Blog , , , ,
  • Drug War: Propaganda
    • Source: DrugWar.com Description: Drug War: Covert Money, Power & Policy: Propaganda. A brief history of the beginning of the prohibitoin of drugs in the late 19th snd early 20th century.
    • Keywords: history , research , , ,
  • Drugnews Archive
    • Source: Drugnews.org Description: Archive of Newspaper Articles
    • Keywords: Research , Library , Articles , ,
  • Effiacy
    • Source: Effiacy-online.org Description: NPO "advocating peaceful ways to respond to social problems" and aim to "challenge the mentality of the drug war"
    • Keywords: Action , Drug War , Drug Reform , Rights , Harm Reduction
  • Erowid Cannabis Vault
    • Source: Erowid Description: The Cannabis Page of the Erowid Vaults a member-supported organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals
    • Keywords: Research , Library/resource , Medical Research , ,
  • Factbook: Medical Marijuana
    • Source: Drug WarFActs Description: PDF 6 pages of facts on Medical Marijuana from Drug War FActs.org
    • Keywords: Research , Medical Marijuana , State Rights , Studies ,
  • Falling Through the Cracks
    • Source: Raise your Voice Description: Report on the Loss of State Based Financial Aid Eligibility for Students Affected by the Federal Higher Education Act Drug Provision
    • Keywords: Research , US Law , Drug Policy , ,
  • Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform
    • Source: Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform Description: committed to preventing tragedy that arises from illicit drug use
    • Keywords: Drug Law Reform , Activism , Australia , ,
  • FAMM Action Center
    • Source: Families Against Mandatory Minimums Description: FAMM Community Action Network, Beginners Guide, Action Campaign and Reformer Profiles
    • Keywords: Action , , , ,
  • Federal Election Guidelines
    • Source: Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform Description: The purpose of these guidelines is to help members raise awareness about the issues surrounding illegal drugs among candidates for election.
    • Keywords: Drug Law Reform , Activism , Australia , ,
  • Freedom Card
    • Source: Norml Description: The U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from interfering with your right to remain silent.
    • Keywords: Civil Rights , Action , , US Law , dot.org
  • Getting Active: What Can I Do?
    • Source: Common Sense for Drug Policy Description: "Get Informed -- Get Motivated -- Get Active" the page that tells you how to do it!
    • Keywords: Resource , Take Action , Activism Tools , ,
  • Green Aid: About Ed Rosenthal
    • Source: GreenAID Description: Who is Ed Rosenthal? Why does the federal government want to put him in jail. Diaries, Background, Op/Ed & News Articles and Statements by Ed.
    • Keywords: medical marijuana , cultivation , Jury Nullification , ,
  • Guide to Organizing Court Support
    • Source: Safe Access Description: Court support is a group of tactics used to support a patient or caregiver while they are going through state and federal legal systems
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Helping Justice Overcome a Flawed Policy
    • Source: CATO Institute Description: Article by Clay Conrad: Discusses the Ed Rosenthall conviction and the concept and ramifications of the use of jury nullification in medical marijuana trials
    • Keywords: Research , Article , Medical marijuana , Libertarian , US Law
  • Historical Research on Drug Policy
    • Source: Schaffer Library of Drug Policy Description: Historical Research Articles Recommended by the Schaefer Drug Policy Library
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • How Can I help?
    • Source: Norml Description:
    • Keywords: Activism , Action , faq answer source , opposition ,
  • Human Rights and the Drug War
    • Source: hr95.org Description: "...Multi-media project the combines the stories and photos of Drug War POW's with facts and figures about the US Drug War"
    • Keywords: Exhibition , Drug War , Prisoners , Rights , Harm Reduction
  • Imagine
    • Source: Change the Climate Description: A video from Change the climate
    • Keywords: , Video/Blog , Drug Policy Reform , ,
  • International Drug Awareness
    • Source: drugawareness.org Description: Educational site on the dangers of prescription drugs.
    • Keywords: Research , Journal , Harm Reduction , Prescription Drugs ,
  • Is America Going To Pot
    • Source: TimeMagazine Description: 2002 comprehensive article on pot and medical marijuana history and the effects on our society.
    • Keywords: Research , Drug War , Medical Marijuana , Article ,
  • Jack Herer's Home on the Web
    • Source: JackHerer.com Description: The site of Jack Herer, author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Information about Hemp and Prohibition.
    • Keywords: Research , Hemp , History , Prohibition , Authors
  • Jurors Guide
    • Source: Fully Informed Jury Association Description: Fully Informed Jury Association, American Jury Institute
    • Keywords: Research , Action , Jury Nullification , ,
  • Legalize Cannabis Alliance
    • Source: LCA Description: UK Political Party for the legalization of Cannabis
    • Keywords: Action , UK politics , UK Law , ,
  • Lindesmith Library
    • Source: soros Description: Search the Lindesmith Library for studies, and information on drug policy found no where else.
    • Keywords: Research , library , , ,
  • Local Medical Marijuana Guidelines
    • Source: Safe Access Description: Guidelines adopted by cities and counties for the use of medical marijuana.
    • Keywords: Resource , Medical Marijuana , Laws and Regulation , ,
  • M.A.P.
    • Source: The Media Awareness Project Description: Great Resource for Information about media coverage and hints on activism and alertsfrom Drug Sense
    • Keywords: Activism , clippings archive , media watch dog , ,
  • Major Studies of Drugs and Drug Policy
    • Source: Schaffer Library of Drug Policy Description: Comprehensive Compilation of Drug Policy Studies done since 1894
    • Keywords: Research , Library/Resource , , ,
  • Marijuana as medicine? Pros and cons
    • Source: Mayo Clinic Description: Apparently it works, but its still illegal. From the Mayo Clinic, NIDA's best friend in the medical field
    • Keywords: Research , Medical Marijuana , Health , Studies , Medical Professional
  • Marijuana Health Mythology
    • Source: CA Norml Description: Thought provoking breakdown of the myths that surround marijuana and your health
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Marijuana Killings at Rainbow Farm,
    • Source: alternet.com Description: By Robert Downes Northern Express Weekly posted Sept 13, 2001
    • Keywords: Rainbow farms , oppression , Activism History , ,
  • Marijuana Medical Papers (1839-1972)
    • Source: Washington University, St Louis Library Description: Edited by Tod H. Mikuriya, MD Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 72-87736
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Marijuana Use and Mortality
    • Source: drugtext.org Description: Kaiser Permanete Study on Marijuana Mortality Rates
    • Keywords: Research , Scientific/Medical Study , Kaiser , ,
  • Medical Board of California v Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D.
    • Source: Alternative Health Systems Description: Background and legal documents on the persecution of Dr. Mikuriya for prescribing cannibinoids for patients
    • Keywords: medical marijuna , Research , Californial Law , Federal Law ,
  • Medical Marijuana
    • Source: Washington State Medical Association Description:
    • Keywords: Washington State , Law , Medical Marijuana , Article ,
  • Medical Marijuana FAQ
    • Source: Washington State Description: Word Document format from the State of Washington about medical marijuana
    • Keywords: Resource , Medical Marijuana , State of Washington , Regulations ,
  • Medical Marijuana Fees
    • Source: State of California Description: About the fees set forth in SB 420 - for the California Medical Marijuana program
    • Keywords: Resource , Medical Marijuana , State of California , Regulations ,
  • Medical-Marijuana Testimonials
    • Source: Medical-Marijuana Testimonials Description: Testimonials of Doctors and Patients, downloadable posters for your next protest event
    • Keywords: medical marijuana , activism , research , ,
  • Memorial for Peter McWilliams, 1950-2000
    • Source: petermcwilliams.org Description: Contains the works of Peter McWilliams the award winning Writer and Medical Marijuana Acitivst
    • Keywords: bio , oppression , medical marijuana , ,
  • MPP
    • Source: Marijuana Policy Project Description:
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • MPP Action Center
    • Source: Marijuana Policy Project Description: MPP Action alerts
    • Keywords: Activism , Action , , ,
  • National Drug Strategy Network
    • Source: National Drug Strategy Network Description: Supported by the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, links to many relevant sites in relevance to the subject of Drug Strategy
    • Keywords: Resource , Links , Justice System , US Drug Policy ,
  • National Formulary - Entry on Cannabis
    • Source: AntiqueCannabis Description: Entries in the United States National Formulary on Cannabis - Before Government entities removed cannabis from the publication, post prohibition
    • Keywords: Research , Historical , Medical Use , ,
  • Opening Eyes to the Damage Caused by the Drug War
    • Source: deatargetsamerica.com Description: Introduction: "This site is a response/supplement to the DEA museum exhibit: "Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause" (at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago). It also serves as an opportunity for people to learn more about the drug war and the failures of Prohibition 2."
    • Keywords: Research , US Drug Policy , DEA , harm reduction ,
  • Patients Out of Time
    • Source: Medical Cannabis.com Description: Medical marijuana advocacy, cannabis medicine, clinical conferences
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Pot Shrinks Tumors
    • Source: American Medical Marijuana Association Description: Article about research that marijuana can shrink tumors, was named by Project Censored as a "Top Censored Story of 2000."
    • Keywords: Research , Studies , Censorship , Medical Use , Scientific Study
  • Raise your Voice
    • Source: Raise your Voice Description: Site dedicated to repealing the Drug Provision of the Higher Education Act
    • Keywords: Action , US Law , Drug Policy , ,
  • Research Archive
    • Source: Common Sense for Drug Policy Description: Provides a Variety of up to date source studies on drug policy and reform
    • Keywords: Research , library/resource , , ,
  • Strategies and Tips for Activists
    • Source: Schaffer Library of Drug Policy Description: Strategies and Tips for Activists, Including answers to Specifiic Arguments put forth by the Drug Warriors
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Substance Abuse Related Death
    • Source: Schaffer Library of Drug Policy Description: Ever wonder how many deaths occur from Illicit drugs? The answer may surprise you.
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Take Action!
    • Source: Americans for Safe Access Description:
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • The ABCs of Citizen Advocacy
    • Source: Americans for Safe Access Description: A Guide for Medical Cannabis Activists
    • Keywords: Resource , Activism Guide , Medical Marijuana , Medical Marijuana Activsm , grass roots
  • The Drug War Clock
    • Source: Drug Sense Description: How much has the War on Drugs cost us this year?
    • Keywords: Research , , , ,
  • The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937
    • Source: Schaffer Library of Drug Policy Description: Before this nefarious act, cannabis and hemp were grown freely, and no one had ever heard of marijuana!
    • Keywords: Research , Library Resource , Congressional Records , ,
  • The November Coalition
    • Source: The November Coalition Description: Non-Profit Grassroots organization dedicated to ending the drug war and advocates for drug war prisoners and thier families
    • Keywords: dot.org , activism , action , ,
  • The Science of Medical Marijuana
    • Source: The Science of Medical Marijuana Description: Links to Medical Marijuana Studies and download of the Institute of Medicine Report
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • The War on Drugs Is Lost
    • Source: National Review Description: 1996 Article from the conservative magazine, National Review. Featuring opinions from Wm F. Buckley and others
    • Keywords: Research , Drug War , Prohibition , Drug Policy Reform ,
  • Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D.
    • Source: mikuriya.com Description: Website of Medical Cannabis expert, Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D.
    • Keywords: Research , Activist , Medical Marijuana , Federal Law vs State Law , Medical Professional
  • Todd McCormick
    • Source: wikipedia Description: Wiki Article on Todd McCormick, medical marijuana patient and activist, who was jailed for cultivating marijuana.
    • Keywords: Research , Activist , Medical Marijuana , Medical Marijuana Cultivation ,
  • Treating Doctors as Drug Dealers
    • Source: Common Sense for Drug Policy Description: Policy Analysis from the CATO institute addressing the issues of the DEA interfereing with doctors prescription treatment of patients for pain
    • Keywords: Research , Article/Study , , ,
  • UKCIA Library
    • Source: UKCIA Description: Library includes News, Research and Law Data bases as well as an Archive of articles and Activist Events and speeches
    • Keywords: Research , Library/resource , UK Activism , ,
  • United States Pharmacopea - Entry on Cannabis
    • Source: AntiqueCannabis Description: Entries in the United States Pharmacopia on Cannabis - Before Government entities removed cannabis from the publication, over the protests of the American Medical Association
    • Keywords: Research , Historical , Medical Use , ,
  • VCL Library
    • Source: VCL Description: Virtual Library
    • Keywords: Research , library , Drug Reform , US Legal System , Professiona Organization
  • Volunteer Committee of Lawyers
    • Source: VCL Description: Judges and Lawyers Group modeled after the a group of the same name who worked to repeal prohibition in 1933.
    • Keywords: Activism , , .org , ,
  • Was Rainbow Farm Another Waco?
    • Source: Washington Post Description: Marijuana Advocates Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm Sensed the Government Was Out To Get Them. And Then They Were Dead. Was Rainbow Farm Another Waco?
    • Keywords: , , , ,
  • Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana Homepage
    • Source: WAMM Description: The site of WAMM, pioneers in medical marijuana caregiving and compassion
    • Keywords: Resource , Activist , Medical Marijuana , Medical Marijuana Cultivation , Medical Marijuana Studies
__________________
I Am Finding Myself Doing It. (Digit's posts)
If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you, and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, & what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys. - Chief Dan George
truth is really so simple when you boundary dissolve. lets just have everyone live, there's plenty room - Digit
_ * whole breath * _"find a positive use for it"
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 01-18-2008, 01:06 AM
amsterdamage is online now  
amsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant futureamsterdamage has a brilliant future
amsterdamage
Debate, Demand, Legalize!
amsterdamage's Avatar
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,162
Great resources, Digit!!

Here's some medical/research related links containing a ton of information about the
medicinal uses of marijuana:

http://forum.grasscity.com/medical-m...ml#post2165773
__________________

Times can blind us to certain truths and later generations can see that laws
once thought necessary and proper in fact serve only to oppress.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 01-22-2008, 05:32 AM
jessioka is offline  
jessioka is on a distinguished road
jessioka
Regular User
jessioka's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 225
so i refined my original persuasive essay into a college research paper that i turned into my english professor who then turned it over to some board of committee members im not sure.. anyways this is it. sorry if the amount of text is obnoxious



Regulate It
The topic of drugs encompasses the everyday lifestyle of society in America today. Drugs come in many forms which range from chocolate and caffeine, to the cannabis plant, all the way to powders and pills. All illegal drugs today were once legal, and almost any legal drug can still be harmful if not used in a regulated amount. (Marijuana) In effect, if marijuana were to become a legally regulated drug, it is very improbable to cause extreme adverse effects to American society.
Marijuana has been rooted in the earth since the dawn of time. It has been as much part of our history as we have. Many ancient religions have included marijuana in rituals and beliefs. The Hindi god Shiva was said to have endowed men with marijuana for happiness. In Shintoism, cannabis was used at wedding ceremonies and was believed to bring laughter and happiness to marriage. The Buddha himself, Siddhartha Gautama, was said to have solely ingested and used hemp and hemp seed for 6 years before discovering and announcing the Eightfold Path. (Cannabis Religion)
Cannabis has thus become integrated in the lives of countless individuals throughout history and will probably be a part of human history until the end. Whether the users’ reasons are medicinal, spiritual, religious, or recreational, marijuana has been a huge aspect of humanity. Complete legalization may never be a reality, but it is important for lawmakers to acknowledge the history, and the probable continuation of its use.
In many ways, marijuana can be compared to less tabooed drugs like alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine. Caffeine is a natural ingredient and sold in various forms to give adults a heightened level of focus and alertness. However, studies have shown that caffeine causes certain problems such as: nausea, irritability, muscle spasms, and even effects on male and female fertility. Caffeine effects the heart, cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density (which is linked to a risk of fractures), and mood changes. Even despite caffeine’s link to certain cancers, it is still very much legal and consumed daily. (Caffeine) If such a product can be used for its invigorating properties, there should be little or no defense for the complete prohibition of marijuana. Studies have found that certain chemicals in chocolate “target the same brain receptor system that is targeted by marijuana.” (Positive)
Cannabis is a natural ingredient which can be consumed in various different ways, and like caffeine it can have both positive and negative effects on the body.
Alcohol is regulated, but it is still somewhat uncontrollable. Deadly, reckless driving, domestic violence, liver damage, and other adverse health risks still occur due to the consumption of alcohol anyways. The regulation of marijuana has been used to solely benefit medicinal users. Even in ancient times, cannabis was used for gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, headaches and even as a way to alleviate pain during childbirth. Queen Victoria was even prescribed marijuana to alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps. (Menstrual) Up until the 1800s in America, cannabis extracts were used in over-the-counter pain relievers. While trying to detect marijuana intoxication in a person, researchers discovered the use of cannabis helped reduce pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients. Sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis have reported restful nights after smoking the plant, and muscle spasms are hindered. (Positive) Vietnam veterans have reported the use of marijuana to prevent the muscle spasms which accompanied battle wounds. (Medical) Even still, medicinal marijuana card holders are not completely free to use it.
“Compared to other widely used drugs (alcohol, tobacco, opiates) a smaller percentage of cannabis users become dependent.” (Dependence) If regulations were set, users could enjoy marijuana responsibly. In an ideal world of equality, someone smoking a joint should be able to relax and rejuvenate their mind just as someone drinking a cup of coffee can do.
When used responsibly, pot can have a very positive impact on society.
There is no proven correlation between criminals and use of marijuana. It's biased to assume one causes the other because there is a definite lack of hard data. Quite contrary to this, are the speculations considering marijuana as a way to reduce violent crime and aggressive behavior in individuals. In fact, studies show that the subject users were far less inclined towards aggression. (Cannabis and Aggression)
Consider a coffee house in Amsterdam. The Dutch government allows controlled marijuana use in appropriate locations. At certain coffee shops, paying costumers can purchase weed along with a selection of food and beverages. If it is allowed in the shop, said consumer can then enjoy smoking marijuana or responsibly ingesting "space cakes" (to say to use it responsibly is a disclaimer because they are incredibly potent and the Dutch government is frustrated with people inadvertently getting too high from space cakes). The atmosphere is friendly; the customers vary in ages and culture. Strangers usually bond over a similar passion and partake in a stimulating conversation. There is a certain morality to this activity when compared to the real worldly dangers such as terrorism or pedophiles that haunt us.
Marijuana use is a lifestyle and a subculture in itself. The Woodstock Music and Art Festival originally held in 1969 was a 3 day festival where half a million people gathered in New York. The numerous attendants were generally believed to be using marijuana. One man accounted an experience of smoking weed with the local cops who were there as concert security. (Marijuana) Despite minor bad behavior of some, it was an overall peaceful, life-changing experience for almost every attendee. Woodstock veterans reminisce on the feeling of harmony which stayed intact during the whole event. Overall, the use marijuana created a relaxed atmosphere in which all patrons could enjoy together.(Woodstock) This historic event has spawned similar festivals such as the Woodstock Film Festival, which is held in the same area of New York as the original Woodstock Festival was. Many particiate in this occasion. “Everyone is out and about to soak up the atmosphere, experience the vibe and meet people.” (Werthamer) Many attribute the use of cannabis with how much of an influence the festival has been since its conception.
Marijuana has either spawned or had a huge impact on different genres of music like jazz, rock, acid rock, hip hop and. There are a plethora of marijuana users in the entertainment industry like Woody Harrelson, Jack Black, Dennis Hopper, Drew Barrymore, and the marijuana-based acting of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong who have both received awards for their work. All around the world there are competitions celebrating different strains of cannabis; published books which advocate marijuana legalization and even cook books experimenting with the smooth taste marijuana gives certain recipes. To try and entirely eradicate this culture would be a loss to society and the arts.


Works Cited
"Caffeine." It's Your Health. Feb. 2006. Natural Health Products Directorate. 3 Dec. 2007 .

"Cannabis and Aggression." Independent Drug Monitoring Unit. 12 Mar. 2007. Nov.-Dec. 2007 .

"Cannabis Religion." THC Ministry Amsterdam 2003. The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry. 20 Nov. 2007 .

"Dependence Liability." Marijuana Research. 2002. Nov.-Dec. 2007 .

"Hippies." Hippies. The History Channel. HIST.

"Marijuana." Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way. The History Channel. HIST. 2000.

"Medical Marijuana." Fact-Archive. 10 Oct. 2005. Nov.-Dec. 2007 .

"Menstrual Cramps, Morning Sickness and Labour Pain." UK Cannabis Internet Activists. Nov.-Dec. 2007 .

"The Positive and Negative Effects of Marijuana." Online Pot. 25 Sept. 2007. 3 Dec. 2007 .

"Woodstock Stories." 1969 Woodstock Festival. 30 Jan. 2005. Nov.-Dec. 2007 .
Hecht, Jennifer M. The Happiness Myth. New York City: HarperSanFrancisco, 2007. 1-355.

Werthamer, Cynthia. "In Woodstock, Redefining Festival." The New York Times 30 Sept. 2007. Nov.-Dec. 2007 .
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 01-27-2008, 06:47 PM
Digit is offline  
Digit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyondDigit has a reputation above and beyond
Digit
Novice Omnipotent
Digit's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: The Sovereign State Of My Mostly Brown Slip On Shoes
Posts: 7,878
http://forum.grasscity.com/medical-m...ana-links.html
^ another handful of useful links in a similar activism for medicine thread here at GC.
__________________
I Am Finding Myself Doing It. (Digit's posts)
If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you, and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, & what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys. - Chief Dan George
truth is really so simple when you boundary dissolve. lets just have everyone live, there's plenty room - Digit
_ * whole breath *